SEP 24 -- (BAKERSFIELD, CA) – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and law enforcement officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service today announced the culmination of Operation Raw Deal, an international investigation targeting the global underground anabolic steroid, human growth hormone (HGH) and insulin growth factor (IGF) market. The investigation represents the largest steroid enforcement action in U.S. history and took place in conjunction with enforcement operations in 9 countries worldwide. As a result of the DEA Bakersfield Resident Office investigation, agents conducted one federal search warrant, and arrested two individuals. Seized in conjunction with the Bakersfield investigations were two underground steroid laboratories, approximately 19 lbs of anabolic steroid product, approximately 27 pounds of raw anabolic steroid powder, one handgun, one revolver and one shotgun.

The first investigation began in September 2006 when DEA agents and the Bakersfield Police Department located a steroid laboratory at the residence of Max Freedom MULDER, 34, of Bakersfield. As a result, law enforcement seized anabolic steroids in various stages of production, raw anabolic steroid powder believed to be from China, and finished anabolic steroid product in liquid and capsule form. Over 3.5 lbs of steroid product was removed from MULDER’s residence at this time. Additionally, agents seized a 9mm handgun, one 357 revolver, and a 12 gauge shotgun. MULDER was arrested without incident on September 20, 2007 at his residence in Bakersfield. MULDER is charged with state violations of California Health and Safety Code Section 11379.6 - Manufacture of Anabolic Steroids and Section 11378 – Possession of Anabolic Steroids for Sale.

“Anabolic steroids are a dangerous chemical that sometimes comes with serious and potentially deadly side effects,” stated DEA Resident Agent in Charge of the DEA Bakersfield office Stephen Peterson. “The only enhancement here will be on the lives of residents of Bakersfield now that two manufacturers of steroids have been arrested and their underground laboratories dismantled.”

The second investigation began in early 2007 when the DEA Bakersfield Resident Office received information from the DEA San Diego Division Office about an anabolic steroid manufacturer/distributor possibly operating in the Bakersfield area. In January 2007, the DEA San Diego Office conducted an undercover purchase of two vials and three bottles of anabolic steroids from Osoca Laboratories, via the internet. Osaca labs requested payment to be made via wire transfer to an individual in Bakersfield, CA. Once payment was received the product was then shipped to the customer. According to the criminal complaint filed in the investigation, agents learned that Osoca Labs was operated by Tyler STUMBO, 23, of Bakersfield. Further investigation also revealed that Osaco Labs filled approximately 88 separate anabolic steroid orders during a three month time period, with sales totaling $36,024.00. In addition, agents learned that Osoca Lab utilized a Chinese source of supply for raw anabolic steroid powder. On September 14, 2007, based on information gleaned from the Bakersfield investigation, the DEA Tennessee Resident Office seized approximately 25 pounds of raw anabolic steroid powder in a package originating from China and almost 2 pounds of raw anabolic steroid powder from a related residence.

On September 20, 2007, a federal search warrant was served at STUMBO’s residence located on the 5700 bock of Rockwell Dr., Bakersfield. As a result of the search law enforcement seized an underground steroid laboratory, with steroids in various stages of production, to include powder, liquid, and pills. A total of 160 vials of anabolic steroids, weighing approximately 15 ½ pounds was taken from the residence. STUMBO was arrested and charged with violation of Title 21 United States Code (USC) Sections 841(a)(1) – Possession with Intent to Distribute anabolic steroids and Section 846 – Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids.

The maximum statutory penalty for each count of violation of Title 21 USC Section 841(a)(1) and 846 is punishable by a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and 2 years of supervised release. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. A complaint contains only allegations against an individual and, as with all defendants, MULDER and STUMBO, must be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of California in Fresno is prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Montoya is the lead prosecutor assigned to the investigation.

This investigation was conducted with the assistance of the Bakersfield Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.